Vaccine ‘Ambassadors’ to be Deployed in all Constituencies

All Members of Parliament will recruit vaccine ambassadors to urge constituents to take the COVID-19 vaccines. The first set of 40 vaccine ‘ambassadors’ has been mobilised in St. Andrew North East, to promote and facilitate the vaccination of members in their communities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness endorsed the initiative on Wednesday, September 8, and expressed the importance of individual engagement at the community level, which provides critical support for the public education campaign of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The Prime Minister noted that there are many reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and stated that having the conversation sometimes helps to resolve the skepticism, fear, and lack of knowledge. The PM says he is hopeful that the community mobilisation will reinforce the national message that is being put out by the Ministry of Health and generally by the Government of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for St. Andrew North East, Delroy Chuck, has indicated that an additional 20 ambassadors are to be employed for the constituency. The MP says the vaccine ambassador initiative is vital in increasing the country’s vaccination numbers and also in educating Jamaicans on the importance of getting vaccinated.

“It is important not only for this constituency but for the country that we vaccinate. We have to try and encourage the hesitant to come out,” Chuch said.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, also stated that the national COVID-19 vaccination programme will be undertaken in all constituencies for four weeks. Minister McKenzie noted that all vaccine ambassadors are required to be fully vaccinated, and will receive $30,000 in compensation for the period.